There is no such thing as a safe tan

Although the sun gives us a sense of well being and relaxation we now know that overexposure to UV light can cause skin ageing and skin cancer. In the last twenty years in the UK the number of new cases of skin cancer has nearly doubled to over 40,000 a year. The expansion of travel abroad, especially short periods of intense exposure to sunlight, as in a two week beach holiday is thought to be the cause. Statistically it is the second most common form of cancer with over 2,000 deaths each year. Yet a recent study commissioned by Imperial Cancer Research Fund, (Sun Sense Survey, March 2000) showed that 47% of Britons interviewed said that " a chance to bronze" could be the difference between the success and failure of a holiday! Imperial Cancer Research Fund

Nine out of ten cases (basal cell carcinoma and Squamos cell carcinoma) are rarely fatal if treated early. These are more common in later life in people who have spent a lot of time outdoors e.g. agricultural workers. The more dangerous MALIGNANT MELANOMAS spread rapidly and kill if not treated quickly. They are linked to occasional overexposure and are more common in younger people. Experts believe that sunburn in childhood can lead to skin cancer in later life. For these reasons babies and young children should not be placed in direct sunlight at all.

Skin colour is a major factor in the risk of skin cancer:

HIGH RISK: pale skinned people with freckled skin, blue eyes, fair or red hair who burn easily

MEDIUM RISK: people with darker hair and eyes, who tan easily (The amount of protection that tanning gives through the production of the pigment melanin is very limited since by the time you have tanned the damage to the skin has been done)

LOW RISK: Black or brown skinned people, who virtually never burn.

Although a tan is considered healthy looking, people should consider other effects such as premature ageing, wrinkles, sags, dark patches, liver spots and dry leathery skin. Is it worth the risk for a tan which fades very quickly?

UV is more powerful the nearer the equator you travel and also around midday when you should keep out of the sun for at least two hours. Don't be fooled by cool breezes, light cloud or overcast days there can be still 80% UV radiation present. Use what shade there is at other times and cover up with a wide brimmed hat, and tightly woven but loose clothing. Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes to standard BS2724:1987 especially in reflected glare near snow or water.

A separate risk of over exposure is sunstroke or heatstroke caused by overheating. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty (non-alcoholic) to replace fluid lost through perspiration.

The BMA is advising people not to use sunbeds because of potential health risks.

The report, 'Sunbeds' comes from the BMA's Board of Science and Education and calls on the Government to regulate sunbed use after research shows that some people are having more than 100 sunbed sessions in one year.

BMA Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, stated: "We really need a public health campaign to educate people about the dangers of sunbeds and also myths about tanning. A suntan is not a sign of good health; a tan, even when there is no burning, always means that the skin has been damaged, a suntan is not nature's own sunscreen ? it does not protect you from ultra-violet radiation.
BMA April 2003